Wire-Mesh Tree Root & Trunk Guard Against Rodents

The problem

In the first years after planting, young fruit and nut trees are often killed from below: voles, gophers, zokors and rabbits eat the roots and gnaw the bark at the base. Orchards usually fight back with poison baits and repellents, which pollute the soil, can affect the crop, and cost money and labor every season.

The solution

The patent puts a mesh cage around the root zone and lower trunk:

1. A lower ring (3) of wire mesh is buried in the planting hole. Its center has an opening (31) so the main roots can grow down.
2. A middle cylinder (1) - in the patent, a 30 x 30 cm mesh panel rolled into a tube - stands on the ring and surrounds the root ball and trunk base.
3. A domed top collar (2) closes the cylinder. A center hole (21) with a tie (22) fits around the trunk.
4. Bare wire ends (11) on the middle panel join the three parts on site - no tools or extra fasteners.

Who it is for

• Garden-supply and orchard-supply brands selling rodent guards and “gopher baskets”.
• Orchards, nurseries and tree-planting programs planting nut and fruit trees in rodent areas.
• Home gardeners protecting new trees and shrubs.

How it works

The main parts

Materials in the patent

• Wire: iron wire 0.5-1 mm in diameter, aluminum- or tin-coated.
• Mesh openings: 1.5 x 1.5 cm to 2 x 2 cm.
• Protection period: the patent states that this size suits more than 90% of trees and protects for 2-3 years, after which the wire corrodes and has little effect on root growth. Thicker or thinner wire can lengthen or shorten that period.

Installing it, step by step

1. Dig the planting hole and lay the lower ring (3) in the bottom.
2. Plant the tree over the root opening (31).
3. Roll the middle panel (1) into a cylinder around the root ball and join it to the lower ring with the bare wire ends (11).
4. Backfill the soil.
5. Fit the top collar (2) over the cylinder, pass the trunk through the center hole (21), join the collar with the wire ends, and tie it to the trunk (22).

Applications

Nut and fruit orchards

The patent lists walnut, pecan, almond, pistachio, apricot, olive, cashew and other trees whose young roots are attacked by rodents.

Nurseries and new plantings

Protects young trees during the first seasons, when they are most at risk.

Reforestation and habitat projects

Planting many trees in fields where poison baits are not allowed or wanted.

Home gardens and landscaping

Fruit trees, roses and shrubs in yards with gophers or voles.

Medicinal and specialty crops

The patent also mentions protecting some medicinal plants and oil-tree peony.

Where it is less suitable

• Large, established trees - their root systems are far bigger than the guard.
• Deer and large animals - they browse above the guard; a tall trunk guard or fence is needed.
• Very rocky soil - burying the lower ring is harder.